Organizations today are tasked with trying to keep up-to-date with an ever-growing number of product related environmental laws and regulations. Becoming compliant with WEEE, RoHS and REACH standards is a challenge many companies are facing.

WEEE is a European Union (EU) Directive defined as “Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment” (2002/96/EC). This directive makes producers and importers responsible for the safe disposal and treatment of electrical and electronic waste at end of life. The directive’s intent is to reduce the impact of this waste to the environment during the product’s life cycle and to assign financial responsibility for the process.

RoHS is the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (2002/95/EC). It is an EU Directive requiring producers to reduce the amount of specified hazardous substances from their electrical and electronic equipment.

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) is another EU Directive aimed at improving the protection of human health and the environment through identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. The title and basic language in the directive, however, infer it is for the control of “chemicals” only, but REACH goes beyond the chemical manufacturing industry. The Directive has a much larger scope in that it also encompasses specific requirements for “articles” as well.

WEEE, RoHS and REACH directives represent a “Must Have” to continue or begin electrical / electronic product shipments into EU member states. In order to sustain EU market share and revenue stream, companies doing business in EU member countries will need to implement a plan and address WEEE, RoHS and REACH compliance. Additionally, suppliers to these companies may be indirectly impacted by the need to meet customer requirements.

CAPACCIO’s professionals possess expertise in WEEE, RoHS and REACH environmental product content regulations as well as in-depth knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the electronics manufacturing industry. With this knowledge, we can provide a solid understanding of the true business impact you may expect from WEEE, RoHS and REACH requirements and are ready to navigate your company through to compliance.